5 Great Gadgets to Get Your Kids Moving Again

There’s nothing that contributes to the childhood obesity problem as much as shelves and shelves of toys that allow kids to stay perfectly entertained without moving a muscle. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of fun items that will get your kids up and moving again. Next time you head to the toy store, keep these in mind…

All right, this is significantly more expensive than a pedometer (starting at around $100). But anyone who has had one of these video game-turned-exercise contraptions will swear by it. Games that your kids can play on it include Nickelodeon Fun & Fit, Jumpstart Get Moving, and countless other games simulating soccer, tennis, basketball … whatever your child enjoys.

Not only will your kids get moving with one of these, but we practically guarantee that everyone in the family will shed a few pounds.

It’s academics. It’s exercise. It’s pure fun. If it really is all three, then this product is a must-have.

According to the product description, “Exercise Card Game not only gets kids moving, but also integrates the academic concepts this age group needs, based on various state objectives and guidelines for kindergarten classrooms.”

Yes, folks, they do make gym equipment for children. In the dead of winter — when going outside and running or bicycling is not an option — you can now bring those activities right into your children’s play room.

The set includes a weight bench, elliptical, treadmill, and cycle. They’re all ergonomically designed for children and function just like full-size adult machines.

The package is priced like gym equipment, too. The entire set will run you about $499. But hey, it’s never too early to get your child hooked on the gym. Hopefully, he or she will start now and never stop. Then it will be totally worth it.

An Oppenheim Toy Award Winner, the Wobble Deck Balance Board is like the Simon Says of exercise toys. And it’s as simple as Simon Says, too. Kids stand on top of it and follow instructions called out by the machine. Games include memory match, speed play and free style.

The toy claims to help your child with sound and color recognition, reaction and reflexes, and (of course), fitness and coordination.

What’s your secret to keeping your kids active and fit? What are their favorite toys that encourage activity? Share your secrets with us in the comments box below.

In the meantime, here are a few other toy-related slideshows you might enjoy…

There’s nothing that contributes to the childhood obesity problem as much as shelves and shelves of toys that allow kids to stay perfectly entertained without moving a muscle. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of fun items that will get your kids up and moving again. Next time you head to the toy store, keep these in mind…